Minerd.com Biography of Levi and Anna (Leichliter) Rose of Paddytown, PA

Levi Rose was born in 1856 in Hexabarger near Kingwood, Somerset County, PA, the son of Charles and Catherine (Minerd) Rose. His middle initial has been given as "M." in some legal documents.

Levi was a skilled stone mason, and also a legendary bootlegger. As a young man, he moved to Connellsville, Fayette County, PA, possibly to work with his uncle Henry A. Miner in providing masonry services in the construction of the beehive ovens in the booming coal and coke industry.

In about 1885, in Connellsville, the 29-year-old Levi married 18-year-old Anna Leichliter (1869-1907), daughter of Henry J. and Matilda "Tillie" (Schrock) Leighliter. The two families were close, and Levi's brother William is known to have entered into marriage with Anna's sister Margaret.

They were the parents of Walter Rose, Charles Henry Rose Sr., Ralph Rose, Margaret L. Wilson and Goldie Mort Holder.

In 1900, the federal census enumeration shows the Roses making their home in Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, probably near the town of Humbert. Levi's occupation was marked as farmer. Among their near neighbors were distant Younkin cousins William Henry and Rachel (McClintock) Younkin, and Benjamin and Emily (Younkin) Clevenger.

The family then moved back to Connellsville and maintained a home on Baldwin Avenue.

Tragically, Annie suffered from cancer. She died at their home on Baldwin Avenue on Jan. 25, 1907 at the young age of 40. She was placed into eternal rest in Hill Grove Cemetery. Her obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said she was:

...born in Fayette county. For a number of years, the family resided near Humbert, Somerset county. In November [1906] she came to Connellsville with the family, where she has since lived. Mrs. Rose had been ailing for several years. About a year ago she underwent an operation at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg.

Levi never remarried. For many years afterward, he lived with son Charles along Chickenbone Road, in a locality known as "Paddytown" near Kingwood, Somerset County.

The census for 1910 lists Levi heading a household in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, with all five children under his roof, ranging in age from 21 (Walter) to 13 (Goldie). H and his son Walter were marked as laborers at odd jobs, while sons Charles and Ralph labored in a local saw mill. Levi's brother Grant, widowed mother and distant Younkin cousin Aaron Phillippi all dwelled nearby.

An expert stone mason and brick layer, Levi and his brother John were said by a newspaper to have "built 140 chimneys in the town of Humbert." Formerly known as Edna Mines, Humbert was constructed as "a 'model' mining community containing 100 homes, a hotel, store and other necessary facilities," according to the book, Stemwinders in the Laurel Highlands. It was built because the local coal company "did not want the usual haphazard patch of buildings that usually comprised a mining town...." In a twist of irony, the town today no longer exists.

Levi was a local legend known for his bootlegging, and is said to have been summoned to court 47 times and convicted twice. He liked to say he had consumed enough whiskey to float a battleship. He kept a still in the woods behind his home, and boasted that he was rarely caught because he gave eight-gallon jugs of his brew as "gifts" to local law enforcement officials, and that they never lacked for free hooch.

By 1920, Levi resided with his married son Charles and daughter in law Hattie in Paddytown Upper Turkeyfoot Township, earning his keep with farm laborer. Cousins residing on either side of their home were his distant cousins, widower Jonas M. Younkin and John F. and Diana Elizabeth (McNair) Younkin.

In 1931, Levi was employed by the Tantum Lumber Company with son Charles and grandsons Albert Glenn "Mutt" Rose and James Harvey Rose. About that time, a photoraph was taken of their work crew, in the woods near Humbert, later was published in the book, Down the Road of Our Past and also in the Somerset Daily American. The photo, seen here, shows the following individuals: Kneeling, left to right: Charley Cameron, Younkin cousin Dennis Romesburg, Levi Rose, Denny Kreger. Back, left to right: Charles H. Rose, Mutt Rose, Harvey James Rose and Alec Ohler.

Levi passed away in 1952 at the age of 96 in the home of son Charles along Chickenbone Road. He was buried at the Jersey Church Cemetery near Ursina.

He is mentioned in the book Reflections: Ursina 1787-1994. He also was profiled in the article, "The Sage of Hexebaerger," in the February 1998 issue of the Laurel Messenger newsletter of the Somerset Historical and Genealogical Society.

Son Walter Rose (1888-1968) was born on June 26, 1888 in Ursina, Somerset County.

During World War I, Walter served in the U.S. Army for two weeks, from Sept. 5, 1918 to Sept. 18, 1918, when he was discharged at Camp Greenfall in Georgia. He claimed that his father depended upon him for support.

After the war, Walter returned home and was employed as a farmer and laborer in Confluence.

Circa 1933, he was profiled in the book World War Veterans of Somerset County, published by the commissioners of Somerset County. The entry said that Vivian was his sole dependent, and that his physical condition was "fair."

For decades, Walter suffered from hypertension, heart disease and arthritis. He was struck down by a massive heart attack and within three minutes passed away at home in Confluence at the age of 80 on Oct. 13, 1968. Rev. Clinton Spencer and Rev. Arthur Gotjen jointly led the funeral service, with burial taking place in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Meyersdale Republican.

At the age of 25, Ralph married 19-year-old Kathryn Blubaugh (1898 - ? ), the daughter of Hiram and Mary (May) Blubaugh of Ursina, Somerset County. Their wedding ceremony was held at Somerset on Jan. 17, 1917, performed by Rev. S.G. Buckner.

Early in his career, Ralph served as a teacher at the Humbert School, Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, in 1914-1917. He also supplemented his income as a laborer in a local lumber yard for the United Lumber Company. He was tall and slender, with light blue eyes and light hair.

Ralph registered for the military draft during World War I. He told his registration officer that he suffered from stomach trouble and hemorrhoids.

In 1923, he resided in Somerset, and was employed as a rural mail carrier. His career with the U.S. Postal Service lasted for 40 years and three months. He held memberships in the Odd Fellows and Maccabees lodges, and the couple belonged to the Somerset Church of the Brethren.

Somerset Post Office

The Aug. 9, 1923 issue of the Meyersdale Republican reported that he and his wife took their vacation by visiting her parents in Ursina and then going to Connellsville, Fayette County, to see other Blubaugh relatives.

The federal census of 1930 shows Ralph, Kathryn and their sons residing on Franklin Avenue in Somerset Borough. That year, Ralph's occupation was as a mail carrier for the United States Post Office. They remained on Franklin for the rest of their lives together.

On the fateful day of Oct. 29, 1958, while hunting near their home, he died suddenly at the age of 66. The cause of death was an acute heart attack, following several years of coronary disease. The Somerset Daily American printed an obituary. Rev. James Boitnott led the funeral service. Burial was in Somerset County Memorial Park.

Son Robert Rose (1918- ? ) was born in 1918. He resided in Washington, DC in 1958.

He is not to be confused with his father's first cousin, Charles H. Rose, who married Alcestia Ritenour and lived at nearby Rogers Mill, Fayette County, PA.

On Dec. 9, 1912, when he would have been 23 years of age, Charles was joined in the bonds of wedlock with a distant cousin, 17-year-old Harriet "Hattie" Smith (1895-1986), the daughter of Albert and Mary Catherine (Moon) Smith. Hattie was of the family of "Weasel Jake" and Catherine "Katie" (Faidley) Younkin.

In an interesting turn, Harriet's brother James Ralph Smith Sr. wed Charles' cousin Bertha Rowan, and another brother Harvey Smith married Charles' cousin Clema Romesburg.

The Roses resided along Chickenbone Road at Paddytown, Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, where they toiled as farmers for decades.

The couple produced a family of 11 children between the years of 1912 and 1935 -- William Rose, Kathryn Snyder, Albert Glenn "Mutt" Rose, Harvey "James" Rose, Ethel Laverne "Betty" Pletcher, Viola "Jean" Miller Ghormiby Owens, Kenneth Earl Rose, Herbert "Eugene" Rose, Verna Reynolds, Berta "Bea" Pruitt Burger Baldwin and Charles Henry "Boots" Rose Jr.

Charles was tall and of medium build, with grey eyes and brown hair. When he registered for the military draft during World War I, he told the registration officer that he was "ruptured" and had a wife and two children to support.

The federal census of 1930 shows the Roses dwelling on their farm in Upper Turkeyfoot, with Charles' aged father living in the household, where he was cherished by the grandchildren. Charles was listed as a farmer, and son William a laborer on the state highway.

Grief cascaded over the family in March 1936 when their son William, age 24, was struck and killed by a passing automobile along what today is Route 281 near Kingwood.

When the federal census enumeration again was made in 1940, with the nation still in the grasp of the Great Depression, Charles earning income as a stone mason on a bridge construction project.

The Roses were faithful attendees of the Church of the Nazarene in Confluence. Charles was known for giving packs of chewing gum to other children in the congregation, among them the offspring of Julius and Katie (Gary) Hoover of the family of Jacob and Minnie (Miner) Gary of Kingwood.

Charles died at home at the age of 88 on Dec. 10, 1977. He was laid to rest in the Jersey Church Cemetery near Ursina following funeral services preached by Rev. Donald DeHaven. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American said that "his death ended a marriage of 65 years" and that he was survived by an astonishing 37 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren in addition to his sister Margaret Wilson of Windber, Somerset County. The Meyersdale Republican also printed an obituary.

Charles is mentioned in Wayne Bittinger's 1986 volume, The Bittinger, Bittner, Biddinger, and Bidinger Families--and Their Kin--of Garrett County, Maryland. This family also is documented in Olive Duff's family history notes, Moon Genealogy.

Harriet outlived him by nine years. She is known to have traveled to California to visit with her youngest son Charles Jr. and his family. While touring Burbank, they attended a taping of the TV hit show, The Gong Show. During a commercial break, the audience was asked if anyone had any hidden talent. Hattie assured them she did and, with arms outstretched and her feet shuffling, she entertained host Chuck Barris and the panel of celebrity judges by dancing to the Jimmie Rodgers song "T for Texas, T for Tennessee."

She passed away at her home in Paddytown, at the age of 91, on Aug. 18, 1986. Funeral services were held in the family church, officiated by Rev. Harry Welch. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery near Ursina. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. By that time, the number of their great-grandchildren had expanded to 52 along with the addition of four great-great grandchildren.

Son William Rose (1912-1936) was born on Jan. 6, 1912. He lived at home at the age of 18 and was employed as a laborer with the Pennsylvania highway department. On the fateful evening of March 8, 1936, after the 24-year-old William and his friend Earl Kessler had attended a dance in Kingwood, the two men drove home toward Confluence along Route 53. William was dropped off near home. Tragically, a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Elsie Kreger struck William without warning, fracturing his left femur and skull, with instant death. Reported the Meyersdale Republican, "his mangled body [was] left by the roadside after the car which struck him had passed on." His broken remains were found by a follow-on driver, E.C. McMillen, who with others picked up up and brought him to Frantz Hospital, but it was too late. He was placed into eternal sleep in Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

Daughter Catherine (or "Kathryn") Rose (1915- ? ) was born in 1915. She married Norman Snyder ( ? - ? ). They lived in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, circa 1956 and in 1986 in Norwalk, CA.

Son Albert "Glenn" ("Mutt") Rose (1918-1996) was born in 1918 in Paddytown, Somerset County. On July 13, 1941, he married Maola Brandt (1920-2014), daughter of Grant M. and Nannie (Knupp) Brant. Their nuptials took place in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. The couple's marriage endured for a remarkable 55 years until cleaved apart by death. Their children were Glenda Burkett, Earle Eugene Rose, Eric Todd Rose, Glenn "Sonny" Rose, Jay Rose, Nancy I. Noonan, Rev. Scott Rose and Wilma Jean Boyd. Glenn was employed for 45 years through the Carpenters Union Local 2274 of Pittsburgh. They resided for years in Paddytown and belonged to the Confluence Church of the Nazarene. Glenn and Maola attended one of our family reunions in the mid-1990s. Glenn passed away at home at the age of 79 on Oct. 15, 1996. Rev. Thomas Charles officiated the funeral service, with interment of the remains in Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery near Ursina. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. Maola survived him by 18 years. She died at the Meadow View Nursing Center in Berlin on March 25, 2014, age 93.

Son Harvey "James" Rose (1919-1986) was born on Aug. 7, 1919 in rural Confluence, Somerset County. As a boy of 12, he assisted his father and grandfather Levi Rose at a lumber camp in Humbert. James married Frances E. Tishue (1925-1991). Their six children were Roger Rose, Carol Coddington, James Rose, Mark Rose, Jill Sines and Jack Rose. Circa 1951, they resided in Farmington, Fayette County. The Somerset Daily American once noted that James was a member of the Ohiopyle Grange, Old Time Fiddlers and Carpenter's Local 2274 of Pittsburgh. James passed away on Jan. 31, 1986, at the age of 67, with interment in Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery near Ursina. Frances outlived him by five years. She died on Oct. 3, 1991, at age 66.

Daughter Ethel Laverne "Betty" Rose (1921-2019) was born on Sept. 10, 1921 in Upper Turkeyfoot. She married Harold Alexander Pletcher (1920-1981), son of Ross and Bertha (Ansell) Pletcher. During World War II, Harold served in the U.S. Army. They made their home in Rockwood in 1951 and later in Scullton, Somerset County. They produced six children -- Jerry R. Pletcher, Myrna Lane, Deborah Lynn King, Eugene Pletcher, Craig Pletcher and Gary Lee Pletcher. The Pletchers were members of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Harold was a construction laborer and a member of the Carpenters Local Union 224 of Pittsburgh. Harold passed away on Nov. 22, 1981, with burial in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Rev. John W. Hedge officiated at the funeral, with an obituary printed in the Meyersdale Republic. Betty survived her husband by 37 years and remained in Scullton until later in life, when she moved into The Patriot in Somerset. She belonged to the Mountaineers Square Dance Club, the Water Aerobics Class at Linda’s Dance Studio in Somerset and the Ursina American Legion Post 946, where where she volunteered as a cook. Said a newspaper, Betty " was an avid gardener who was proud of the fact that her maiden name was Rose, a favorite flower of hers." She passed away at the age of 97 on Jan. 4, 2019. An obituary noted that her survivors included 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Burial was at Wesley Chapel Church Cemetery, with Rev. Denton Lester officiating.

Grandson Jerry R. Pletcher (1944-2012) was born on Sept. 24, 1944 in Scullton. During the Vietnam War, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran of combat. Returning home, he worked as a construction foreman, a job from which he retired. Jerry was married and had one son, Jerry Pletcher Jr. Jerry Sr. made his home in 1981 in Watertown, CT and resided in Hampton, NH during his last years, and died there at the age of 68 on Oct. 23, 2012.

Granddaughter Myrna Pletcher wed Robert Lane and lived in 1981 in Poway, CA. She was deceased by 2019.

Grandson Harold "Eugene" Pletcher was united in matrimony with Nancy. They lived in Freedom, Beaver County, PA in 1981-2019.

Grandson Craig Pletcher was joined in wedlock with Charlotte. They have resided in Somerset. Charlotte is a talented photographer whose barn images have drawn public attention. She colorized the photograph of Harriet (Smith) Rose seen in this biography.

Granddaughter Debbie Pletcher was united in wedlock with Dalton King. They dwell in Scullton.

Grandson Gary Pletcher married Cindy. The family has lived in Rockwood and Scullton.

Harrisburg, PA, Viola Jean Rose's home circa 1941

Daughter Viola "Jean" Rose (1924- ? ) was born in 1924 in Humbert. As an 18-year-old, she resided in the state capitol of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA, at 121 North 18th Street. On March 3, 1941, at the age of 18, Viola married 21-year-old Leo Stanley Miller ( ? - ? ), son of Leland and Bessie (Suter) Miller of Somerset. The ceremony was performed in Harrisburg by Rev. Lewis C. Manges. Because Viola was underage, her parents had to sign their consent to the union. At the time of marriage, Leo was employed as a laborer in Harrisburg. Later, she wed (?) Ghormiby and (?) Owens. In 1977-1986, using the name Owens, she dwelled in Burbank, CA.

Son Kenneth Earl Rose (1925-2018) was born on Sept. 2, 1925 in Paddytown or in nearby Listonburg. He was united in holy matrimony with a distant cousin, Mildred Ruth Lichty (1925-2002) of Listonburg, Somerset County. She was the daughter of Charles and Laura (Lenhart) Lichty of the family of Charles and Sarah Ann "Sally" (Shoemaker) Gaumer. They produced one son, John W. Rose. Kenneth was a longtime carpenter and belonged to the Greater Pittsburgh Carpenters Union. After retirement in 1981, he spent many of his days hanging out at the Hilltop Store. Mildred moved to be near their son in Wellford, SC where she died at age 76 on March 2, 2002. Her remains were brought back to Somerset County for interment in Addison Cemetery. Rev. Timothy Rogers presided over the funeral. Kenneth married again to Shirley Wolverton ( ? - ? ). Shirley brought three children of her own to the union, and Kenneth is said to have considered them as his own -- Deborah Bella, Robert Wolverton and Christina Shaffer. Kenneth spent his final years in Point Marion, Fayette County, PA. As his health failied, he was admitted to Uniontown Hospital. He died there on April 16, 2018 at the age of 92. Interment was in Old Frame Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

Grandson John W. Rose (1943-1979) was born on Nov. 6, 1943 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. He married Judith L. O'Roark ( ? - ? ). They together bore two children -- Shannon Leigh Rose and Kenneth Charles "Casey" Rose. John ws employed as a fire policeman in Addison and served a term as president of the Addison Fire Company. He belonged to the Meyersdale lodge of the Masons. Sadly, John died on Dec. 9, 1979 at the age of 36, in Oakland (MD) Hospital. Burial was in Addison Cemetery, with Rev. L'gene Bonnel leading the funeral service at the Conflunece Christian Church. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American. Judith married again to (?) Painter and resided in Wellford, SC.

Step-granddaughter Deborah Wolverton married Harold Bella. Their home in 2018 was in Point Marion. Their children are Kevin Bella and Dylan Bella.

Step-grandson Robert Wolverton wedded Sheila and lived in Lake Lynn, Fayette County. They are the parents of Michelle Wolverton, Robert Wolverton, Tylor Wolverton, Saralyn Wolverton and Isaia Wolverton.

Step-granddaughter Christina Wolverton was united in marriage with James Shaffer. They dwelled in 2018 in Fairchance, Fayette County. They produced these offspring -- Cody Shaffer and Jessica Shaffer.

Riverside Cemetery. Courtesy Steve Rose

Son Herbert "Eugene" Rose (1932-living) was born in 1932 in Somerset County, PA. He moved to Hollywood, CA in August 1951 with his sister Verna. A farewell picnic was held in their honor at Idlewild Park. He is known to have served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Joan Cunningham (Nov. 29, 1933-2008), a native of Rockwell City, IA and the daughter of Leo Henry and Leona (Heuser) Cunningham. The pair remained together for a remarkable 52 years until the separation of death. Together, they bore five offspring -- Barb Robles, Pam Stephenson, Ken Rose, Steve Rose and Mike Rose. Circa June 1960, the Roses relocated from Norwalk, CA to their new home in Mason City, IA, where they settled permanently. The Mason City Globe Gazette printed an article welcoming them to the community, saying Eugene formerly was employed by Trade Wind Motors in Rivera, CA and now was a salesman for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. By 1973, he worked for Armour & Co.'s as supervisor of its canned meats department, was active in Little League Baseball and a candidate for the Mason City Park Commission in 1973. At that time, he was involved in trying to start a girl's basketball team in the local high school. In her own right, said the Globe Gazette, Joan "was proud to be an 'Original Mercy Nurse,' graduating from the first class in Fort Dodge. Nursing and caring for other people were a big part of her life. She also enjoyed gardening and was a wonderful baker." Sugar cookies were a favorite to bake. Sadness rocked the family with Joan died the day after Christmas 2008 as a patient in Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Her mass of Christian burial was led by Rev. Fr. Jon Seda in the Holy Family Catholic Church. Her remains were laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. Her survivors included a dozen grandchildren in addition to her four sisters and a brother.

Granddaughter Barbara Ann "Barb" Rose ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). In 1994, in Las Vegas, she wed David Robles (Aug. 17, 1968-2021), son of Juan and Guadalupe (Serna) Robles and a native of Lubbock, TX. Together, they produced a son, Jonathan Robles. David moved in childhood to Fort Lupton, CO, where he developed a love of automobiles and majored in auto body in college. After marriage, the Robleses moved to Mason City, with him working for Titan Tire in Ventura and Lakd of Lakes Purina. In about 1992, said the Mason City Globe Gazette, "Dave began collecting Hot Wheels which soon turned into a passion that led the family of 3 to be included into a much larger crazy loving Hot Wheels family that spans the globe. The bonds of love and friendship that grew through this hobby was remarkable. He was so thankful and felt blessed for the many collectors that he considered brothers and sisters in our Hot Wheels family." The pair resided in Mason City, IA. The family grieved when, on Jan. 4, 2021, David passed away at home. In an obituary in which he was pictured, the Globe Gazette said that David had "lived life by his own rules. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and fellow collector who lived 1000 years in the 52 calendar years he was on this earth. He paved his own way leaving his own mark, writing his own story." The family requested that any memorial donations be made to the local or national charity benfitting children.

Granddaughter Pam Rose married John Stephenson and they live in Mason City, IA.

Grandson Kenneth Eugene "Ken" Rose grew up in Mason City and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. Circa 1984, he was employed at Foursquare Christian School in South Chicago Heights, IL. On Dec. 22, 1984, in nuptials held in Cedar Rapids' Fellowship Christian Center, he was joined in wedlock with Mary Marguerite Noonan, a fellow student at UNI. Today they dwell in Grayslake, IL.

Grandson Steve Rose entered into marriage with Teresa. The pair makes their residence in Coralville, IA.

Grandson Mike Rose lives in Grandview, MO.

Daughter Verna Rose ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She and her brother relocated to Hollywood, CA in August 1951. To mark the occasion of her departure, a picnic was held at Idlewild Park and was attended by Verna's aged grandfather Levi Rose, her parents, sister Ethel Pletcher and her husband and children of Rockwood, brother Kenneth Rose and his family of Listonburg, brother James Rose and family of Farmington and brother Albert Glenn and family of Confluence. She married (?) Reynolds ( ? - ? ). Circa 1977, she dwelled in Santa Ana, CA and in 1986 in San Diego. She was deceased by 2018.

Daughter Berta "Bea" Rose (1927-2021) was born On Dec. 10, 1927. She was married three known times. Her first spouse was A.R. Pruitt ( ? - ? ). She was the mother of Kathi Schmuck, Alan Pruitt and Gina Pruitt. The family lived in the mid-1950s at Camp Pendleton, CA. In 1977, her home was in North Utica, NY and in 1986 in Burbank, CA. The couple divorced, with A.R. relocating to Goose Creek, SC. Sometime after 1986, she wed (?) Burger. She later relocated to Norwalk/Chino, CA. Her third husband was (?) Baldwin ( ? - ? ). She surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 93 on Aug. 11, 2021. Her obituary was published in the Chino Champion. The remains were returned to her native Somerset County for interment in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery.

Great-granddaughter Amy Schmuck wedded Derek Deeds. They made a home in 2017 in Falling Waters, WV.

Great-granddaughter Lindsay Schmuck married Danny Schroyer. The couple dwelled in Connellsville, PA in 2021.

Son Charles Henry "Boots" Rose Jr. (1935-2013) was born on April 26, 1935 in Paddytown, Somerset County, the youngest of 11 children. At the age of 21, in June 1956, he eloped to wed Shirley Anne Martin (1938-2015) of Williams Street in Confluence, Somerset County. The couple had met at a carnival in Confluence, and they tied the knot in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, where there was no waiting period for couples. The newlyweds stayed briefly in Cumberland with his older sister Kathryn Snyder and her husband Norman. Their marital union endured for an excaptional 57 years. Almost immediately after marriage, they moved to Southern California, where his skills as a mechanic were easily transferrable. The children of this family were Tyra Denise Weis, Charles Michael "Chuck" Rose and Cena Rochelle Macias. They resided for many years in Chino, San Bernardino, CA. In his free time, Charles liked to golf and follow Pittsburgh sports teams, with a special love for the Steelers of the National Football League. Shirley was active as a director of KinderCare. Despite the great distance, the family regularly returned to Somerset County and among other things attended the Kingwood Picnic and Confluence Auction. In more recent years, Charles visited the old family farm on Chickenbone Road and posed for a photograph with the barn in the background. The blue-painted door on the far right led to the father's justice of the peace office. Sadly, Charles passed away in Chino on Nov. 27, 2013. Shirley outlived her husband by two years and succumbed to death in December 2015. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Hospice House of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care of Southern California.

Daughter Margaret L. Rose (1894-1977) was born in January 1894. She resided as a young woman in Humbert, Somerset County.

At the age of 18, on May 30, 1912, she married 22-year-old William Henry Wilson (1889-1944), son of Joseph and Susanna (Porterfield) Wilson of Humbert. Justice of the peace Andrew J. Case performed the ceremony. Because Margaret was underage, her father signed his consent to the union. William was employed as a laborer at the time.

They had six known children -- Anna Grace Steeley, Evelyn Mae Shumaker, Joseph H. Wilson, Hazel A. Wilson, Ralph G. Wilson and Frances K. Wilson.

William was employed as a miner in local coal mines. Circa 1927, when daughter Frances was born, the family lived in Indian Head, Fayette County. In 1930, when the federal census was taken, the Wilsons resided in Grey, Jenner Township, Somerset County. They relocated again in about 1935 to Scalp Level, Cambria County, with William obtaining work at the 1053 Mine 40 of Berwind-White Coal Mining Company.

Sadly, William suffered a heart attack in about August 1944. His health went downhill after that and he died four months later, just 10 days before his 55th birthday, on Dec. 19, 1944.

Now widowed, Margaret went to live in Windber, Somerset County. She passed into eternity on Dec. 30, 1977.

Daughter Anna "Grace" Wilson (1913-1989) was born on July 10, 1913 in Humbert. As a girl, she moved with her parents to Gray, Somerset County. At the age of 19, Anna married 26-year-old Walter Irvin Steeley (1907- ? ), a 26-year-old coal miner and the son of Rev. Lewis and Emma (Lessig) Steeley of Gray. Their wedding ceremony was performed by Walter's father on May 14, 1933, in Gray. In 1944, the Steeleys lived near Grace's parents at the 1053 Mine in Scalp Level, Cambria County. Grace died on May 7, 1989.

Daughter Evelyn Mae Wilson (1916- ? ) was born in 1916 in Humbert. She relocated at a young age with her parents to Gray, Somerset County. On Dec. 3, 1932, at the age of 16, Evelyn wed 22-year-old Charles Franklin Shumaker (1910- ? ), son of Samuel Shumaker and Ethel (King) Shumaker Spangler of Hooversville, Somerset County. Justice of the peace H.I. Whipperman led the nuptials in Somerset. On her marriage license, Evelyn gave her age as "18" rather than "16," but her parents signed their consent because she was underage.

Son Ralph G. Wilson (1924-1997) was born on Dec. 14, 1923. He married Stella Tokarsky ( ? - ? ). Their seven children were Connie Wilson, Charles Wilson, Carol Mullikin, Jane Smith, John Ostrosky, Patricia Boltz and Jo Ann Wilson. Ralph died on April 22, 1974, at the age of 51. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery.

Daughter Frances Katherine Wilson (1927- ? ) was born in 1927 in Indian Head, Fayette County. At the age of 20, she made her home in Mine 40, Windber, Somerset County, residing at 1053 First Street. She married her Mine 40 neighbor Joseph Esdkinsky (1926- ? ), age 21 and the son of Hungarian immigrants John and Mary (Saganee) Esdkinsky of Windber. Their wedding was held on July 16, 1948, at the Scalp Level Evangelical United Brethren Church in Cambria County, officiated by Rev. Lester M. Crum. At the time of marriage, Joseph worked as a coal stripper in Mine 40.

On Dec. 12, 1915, Goldie married Harvey Mort (1897- ? ), the son of William D. and Araminta (Greene) Mort of Somerset. Both were age 18 at the time. Justice of the peace G.G. Groff performed the nuptials.

They had four known children -- Frances "Araminta" Uphouse, Lloyd Harvey Mort, Ethel Mort and Betty Jane Anderson.

Harvey worked as a plumber early in the marriage. In 1930, when the federal census was taken, the Morts made their home on Hugus Street in Somerset. Later, they moved to 752 South Edgewood Avenue in Somerset. Goldie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Somerset.

Harvey labored as a miner for many years, and at the end of his career he was a mine foreman.

Sadly, Harvey was stricken with a heart attack and died at the age of 47 on July 19, 1945. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery.

Goldie married again, to Lester M. Holder (1894-1955), son of Isaac and Cerelda (Lohr) Holder. He was a laborer in a local canning company. They dwelled in her home on South Edgewood Avenue. Lester died of a heart attack at age 61 on April 18, 1955.

Widowed for a second time, Goldie spent her final years in Somerset. She passed away at the age of 79 on Nov. 13, 1976, in Somerset Community Hospital. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery. Rev. John Cox officiated at the funeral service, with an obituary appearing in the Meyersdale Republican.

Daughter Frances Araminta "Minnie" Mort (1920-2011) was born on Jan. 22, 1920 at Belltown, Somerset County. As a young woman, she lived in Somerset and was employed as a clerk. At the age of 25, on Oct. 13 (or 16), 1945, she wed 30-year-old Albert "Ellsworth" Uphouse (1915-1992), the son of John F. and Susan (Peck) Uphouse and a native of Milford Township, Somerset County. The nuptials were led by Rev. David N. Lykens in Somerset. Albert was a veteran of World War II. Their four children were Harold Uphouse, Allen Wayne Uphouse, Norma Lute and Mary Nida. In 1961, the family relocated to Akron, OH. Said the Akron Beacon Journal, "Minnie was a devoted homemaker, raising four children, and in her spare time loved to sew, knit and crochet. Those who knew her would say she was a sweet little lady who loved life, but most of all, loved her family." Albert died at the age of 77 on April 26, 1992. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery. Minnie survived her husband by almost two decades. She died on Dec. 9, 2011, and her remains were returned to Somerset. Rev. Gerald Deffenbaugh preached the funeral sermon, followed by burial in St. John's.

Grandson Harold Uphouse married Barbara and lived in Akron.

Grandson Allen Wayne Uphouse (1949-2006) was born in about 1946. He and his parents moved to Akron when he was a teenager. Allen was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was married first to Billie (?) and produced these children -- Yvonne Richmond, Paul Uphouse, Susan Uphouse, Marsha Landin, Kevin Thompson and Sabrina Rinehart. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and bowling, and loved sports of all kinds. After a divorce, he married again, in about 2004, to Dottie. Allen died in Robinson Memorial Hospital at age 57 on Jan. 27, 2006. An obituary appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal, and burial was in the Hillside Memorial Park.

Granddaughter Norma Uphouse was wedded to Robert Lute and made their home in Akron.

Granddaughter Mary Uphouse married Charles Nida and dwelled in Uniontown, OH.

Son Lloyd Harvey Mort (1923-2016) was born on Feb. 5, 1923 in Somerset. During World War II, he served with the United States Army as a member of the 1st Infantry Division. He saw action in the North Africa, Sicily and Normandy campaigns, and was injured or wounded, later receiving a Purple Heart. At the age of 22, on June 23, 1945, Lloyd married Ruth Emma Baer (1921-1996), age 24, the daughter of Harvey and Grace (Hiteshew) Baer, and a telephone operator living in Friedens, Somerset County. Rev. Darwin F. Pickard officiated at their wedding ceremony, in Paxtang, PA. The couple produced these children -- Ronald Mort, Linda Smith and Wayne Mort. They were members of the Geiger Church of the Brethren. Lloyd earned a living by working for Barkman's Hardware the the Somerset Area School District. He belonged to the Somerset Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Somerset Odd Fellows lodge. Sadly, Ruth died in 1996. Lloyd survived his wife by two decades. He spent his final time in the Meadowview Nursing Home in Berlin, Somerset County. He died there at the age of 92 on Feb. 4, 2016. His remains were lowered into honored rest in the St. John's Cemetery in Somerset, with Pastor Paul Liepelt officiating.